While the heat wave is almost over here in Eastern Virginia, those still looking to escape the heat without barricading themselves inside can turn to the region’s many waterways for some relief.
No life jacket? No problem.
Two James City County locations, the marina and Chickahominy Riverfront Park, are offering free loaner life jackets for public use, county officials wrote in a news release Monday.
Sizes range from infant to adult extra-large. There are 50 total life jackets available to borrow.
Those interested in borrowing a life jacket can receive one by going to the respective park office front desk.
“We’re excited to partner with the Sea Tow Foundation to make this Life Jacket Loaner Station available to boaters in our area,” said Wes Batten, Flotilla member and grant applicant.
The life jackets at Chickahominy Riverfront Park are new this year and provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 67 of Williamsburg and were made possible by a grant from the Sea Tow Foundation.
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Life jackets have been available at the marina for about four years and were provided through a partnership with BoatUs. There are 12 available in total, including two adult universals, four youth, four child and two infant-child sized jackets.
The Sea Tow Foundation has provided more than 40,000 life jackets to local businesses and organizations across the United States.
“The opening of this new Life Jacket Loaner Station is a major achievement, and we are proud to partner with James City County to ensure the public’s access to these life jackets,” said Gail R. Kulp, the Sea Town Foundation’s executive director. “With such a strong boating culture, we know that these life jackets will save lives this boating season and for years to come.”
Chickahominy Riverfront Park is at 1350 John Tyler Highway; for more information call 757-258-5020.
The James City County Marina is at 2054 Jamestown Road; for details call 757-565-3699.
